We offer a variety of yoga and other movement classes throughout the year, from beginner level to experienced practitioners.
Beginner’s Yoga
In this series of classes, postures are practiced to align, strengthen and promote flexibility in the body. Breathing techniques and meditation are also integrated. You can expect an emphasis on simplicity, repetition, and ease of movement. Full-body relaxation and balance are the goals, as we make a full circuit of the body’s range of motion with standing postures, twists, slight backbends, forward folds, and hip-openers. There is a strong focus on the power of breath awareness. Your class will become a flow of breath and movement. These classes also have a variety of music and themes.
In our Beginner’s classes, you will only need a water bottle and clothing in which you can freely move. Yoga mats, blocks and other tools are provided. You just need to show up!
Yin Yoga
Yin yoga and the body:
Yin yoga works on the yin tissues – also known as the connective tissues. Connective tissue responds best to a slow, steady load which is why we hold the poses for longer. If you gently stretch connective tissue by holding a Yin pose for a long time in this way, the body will respond by making it a little longer and stronger – which is exactly what you want. Remember, the principle of exercise is to stress (not damage) the tissue so the body will respond by strengthening it.
Different Yin yoga poses stimulate and remove blockages in the myofascial meridians in the body. This has the effect of balancing the body’s internal organs and systems. Yin yoga requires the muscles to relax around the connective tissue in order to get a stretch, so not all yoga poses can be done safely or effectively when practicing Yin style. Thus, Yin asanas have different names when practiced in a Yin style.
Yin yoga and the mind:
Becoming still in a pose and staying for a while creates those gaps mentioned earlier. Keeping these gaps empty creates the space for anything that wants to come up. Anxiety, happiness, sadness, boredom, to name a few mental and emotional byproducts of the practice. Anything you suppress during the typical on-the-go busyness in your life. Yin yoga gives students the time and space to allow these feelings to be there. Emotions, thoughts, feelings you have kept in the shadows have the opportunity to rise to your awareness, thus allowing them to be released.
Benefits of a regular Yin yoga practice:
- Calms and balances the mind and body
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Increases circulation
- Improves flexibility
- Releases fascia and improves joint mobility
- Balances the internal organs and improves the flow of Chi or Prana
Vinyasa Awakening Practice
Beginning your day with a flowing Vinyasa Awakening practice will allow you to create peace and focus. Vinyasa, or breath-synchronized movements, allows for a profound awakening of the body and mind…
Yoga on the Beach
Our proximity to Old Orchard Beach, Maine’s longest beach at 7 beautiful sandy miles, allows us to offer beach yoga classes during the warmer months….
Barre
Barre classes combine the movements and exercises of Pilates, ballet and strength training moves using one’s body weight and bands. The small isometric muscle movements used during barre classes build muscle strength without putting a strain on ligaments and tendons like other more rigorous fitness classes. You can also expect to experience mental benefits similar to yoga and Pilates, as it effectively increases mind-body awareness and mental clarity.
Benefits of Barre Class:
- Gain strength
- Reduce Stress
- Increase Flexibility
- Sculpt and Tone
- Improve Posture